There is nothing more frustrating than having single-strand knots (also known as fairy knots) stunt your hair growth. And, if you do not know what single-strand knots are, they are exactly as the name implies. Single-strand knots are hair strands that wrap around themselves or intertwine with other hair strands causing knots, generally at the ends of the hair.
Let’s face it, even when we take proper care of our hair, we are still likely to be acquainted with these tiny little disrespectful hair pests; some more than others – especially those with textured kinky-tightly coiled hair, like myself.
One cannot permanently exterminate single-strand knots, unless you have reached your wits end and have made the conscious decision to completely shave your head once and for all. However, do not fret: I am going to share with you seven hair care practices (in no particular order) that I have incorporated in my hair regimen – to minimize those killer knots, and retain length, so that the thought of shaving your head never crosses your mind.
1. Moisturize Regularly
Moisture is an essential part in your hair care regimen to maintain healthy hair. When your hair is moisturized, it thrives and keeps the hair pliable and hydrated; increasing your hair elasticity. In contrast, the absence of moisture can lead to your hair appearing dull, feeling dry and brittle, which is prone to breakage, split ends, tangles and single-strand knots.
Being as how your hair structure is unique in its natural state; it can require a bit more maintenance than those with straightened hair. This is because in your natural state, your hair coils, curls, bends and kinks, prohibiting the production of sebum (our hair and skin’s natural oil) from the scalp to spread throughout your hair shaft. As a result, this can contribute to dryness along the hair shaft.
With that in mind, go to great lengths to ensure your hair gets the moisture it requires, focusing on the ends (your ends are the oldest part of your hair) and seal in that moisture; in exchange for smooth, closed cuticles.
Remember: “Too much of anything is bad for you” and so be cautious of over-moisturizing, as it can damage the hair cuticle, weakening the hair strands over time resulting in breakage. Pay attention to your hair, apply moisture as needed.
2. Trim Your Ends
*Cues in “Cut it” by O.T. Genasis Ft. Young Dolph*
Ladies and gents, please trim your ends. I get it, as emotional creatures, we tend to hold onto things that were once near and dear to our hearts. However, I am here to tell you to; Let. That. Shit. Go. It serves you no purpose at all. A good indication of when your hair needs a trim is when you start to experience that the ends of your hair appear and feel rough (simply put). For instance, when you detect ends that are often split, dry, straggly, frizzy, and tend to tangle and knot you need to CUT IT (cut it, cut it, cut it, cut it). Ensure to trim your ends with a shear for a precise cut and to avoid future damage (ie. split ends) to the ends of your hair.
Generally, ¼” is how much hair is usually recommended to trim off. Personally, I find that there is no golden rule – to each their own. You know your hair better than anyone else. And if you do not, start paying attention to your hair needs and form a relationship with your hair. Free your hair from split ends, tangles and single-strand knots; in exchange for hair that feels smooth and appears even and thick. Your hair will thank you in the long run.
3. Condition and/or Deep Condition Regularly
(During Wash Day)
Aside from moisture, conditioners are an imperative component in your hair care regimen. Conditioners (whether it is a rinse-out conditioner or a deep conditioner) are intended to improve all of three things: (1) appearance, (2) feel, and (3) texture.
A good conditioner with a good slip will make your wash days more at ease, especially when detangling. Applying conditioner while your hair is wet will loosen up those tangles and single-strand knots to improve hair manageability. As well as, restore moisture and soften and strengthen your hair.
Did you know: Lipids/Oils/Emollients are used to improve hair manageability and comb-through? Tip: when searching for a conditioner with a good slip look for ingredients ending in –Conol, -Cone, -Col, -Xane, -Butter, or Oil.
4. Reduce Hair Manipulation
The best hair care practice I have embraced over the years is to keep it simple. We have all heard the expression, “less is more” and have applied it to some aspects in our lives, if not all. Well, the same holds true in connection to your hair. When you over-manipulate your hair with heat, combs and brushes, hair colours and weaves, etc. or are constantly styling your hair; you are actually doing more damage than good to your hair – enabling increased hair friction to occur.
Hair friction occurs when your hair strands rub against each other which causes the hair’s cuticles to lift. And, when your cuticles lift, your hair is prone to tangles and knots which in turn can lead to breakage.
In order to prevent tangles and single-strand knots or keep them at bay, it is important to practice low-manipulation; reducing hair friction and achieving hair that thrives.
5. Satin/Silk To Protect Your Hair
Investing in satin or silk head scarves, pillowcases and/or bonnets are great preventative measures used at night to reduce or avoid frizz, split ends, tangles and single-strand knots, and retain moisture. When preventive measures are not being taken to protect your hair at night, friction caused by the fabric of your pillowcases and/or blanket can draw out moisture from your hair; leaving it dry and brittle.
6. Stretch Your Hair
Hair shrinkage is real!
What is hair shrinkage? Hair shrinkage is a decrease in length when hair dries after being wet (when hair appears shorter than it really is), and can also occur in humid climates. Hair’s shrink rate varies, as no one hair is the same; however, your hair can shrink up to 50-80% of its true length.
Although shrinkage can be a nuisance, the increased knotting that majority of us with textured hair encounter when our hair shrinks is downright disrespectful. To avoid increased knotting when dealing with shrinkage, it is advisable to stretch your hair while it is wet. Ways to stretch your hair include: braids, twists, African threading, banding, etc.
7. Avoid Certain Hairstyles
Last but not least, avoid certain hairstyles. Believe it or not, there are a few hairstyles; specifically braid outs, twist outs, and wash ‘n gos that can trigger single-strand knots. When you wear your hair in these free-flowing hairstyles your ends are exposed; and when your ends are exposed friction can occur. For example, when hair rubs against clothing. Not to mention, shrinkage in humid climates can also trigger knots (as stated previously). If you can, try to implement hairstyles that protect your hair, especially the ends of your hair.
In The Comments Below . . .
Let me know which of these steps do you use to manage your knots.
Until next time!
xo
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